And let them know that I am Machiavel, admired am I by those that hate me most.The Jew Of Malta by Christopher Marlow

Its Not Just Windows Snooping On You, Win 7 and 8 are spyware too

Windows 10s warm reception has been sullied by concerns over data collection, usage tracking and spying, which is enabled in the new operating system by default. In fact, many people have avoided updating to Windows 10 solely due to concerns surrounding these issues.

We told you how you can opt out of much of these data-collecting features, and we also pointed you to six free tools that will help stop other Windows 10 functions that may compromise your data.

But as it turns out, Windows 10 isnt the only Microsoft operating system collecting your data without your knowledge. Now you might think Little Nicky is off the pace here, Win 7 and 8 have beeb around a while. Not so actually, I still use XP for legacy Windows software having switched to Linux for browsing in 2009 because of concerns about Microsoft’s unethical attitude to my right to privacy.

Unfortunately for those who have Windows 7 or 8, an article on gHacks reveals new updates include features that introduce some of Windows 10’s heavy duty, US Govrnment sponsored spyware data collection and tracking features that many users will be uncomfortable with.

So how do you stop Microsoft’s Spyware? Simples …

First, if it isn’t too late, do nor install these updates:
KB3068708 This update introduces the Diagnostics and Telemetry tracking service to existing devices.

KB3022345 (replaced by KB3068708) This update introduces the Diagnostics and Telemetry tracking service to in-market devices.
KB3075249 This update adds telemetry points to the User Account Control (UAC) feature to collect information on elevations that come from low integrity levels.

KB3080149 This package updates the Diagnostics and Telemetry tracking service to existing devices.

If you run auto updates these four will already be in your system. They can be uninstalled from within the Control Panel (heres How To a guide), or advanced users can type the following four commands using an elevated command prompt:

Once uninstalled, the Windows Update mechanism that Microsoft don’t like to talk about, offers you a way to hide them (heres aHow To guide) so that your operating system doesnt try to reinstall them.